Testimonial: "I hope you remember me. I was
one of your first students in the Afro-Cuban dance class at
FIU [Florida International University]. I loved your class
so much that I had no trouble enrolling in it for a second
semester. Then, you disappeared and it happened that I saw
a catalog, ¡YARA!, and the beautiful lady on the cover
looked just like you. Then I saw the name and I was so happy
to finally connect the dots. I found your address through
Google and was so happy to read about you. I told everyone
in the office, screaming, "This is my teacher!"

I remember your class so well. You talked about the Yoruba
and all of the deities like Yemaya, Ogun, Oshun, Shango, etc.
You are an extraordinary woman and I honor you through your
accomplishments and your excellence in the art of dance and
culture and richness. I don't mean to be lengthy, but I am
so happy to see you on the magazine cover. I hope to attend
your performances. I send you my regards and the many blessings
which you truly deserve." -- Jean-Michel

"The IFÉ-ILÉ dancers, wearing colorful
traditional costumes, performed [Afro-Cuban] dances, including
the Yuca and the Chancleta and then paraded through
the audience in a conga that had the kids on their feet, trying
out dance moves of their own." -- From
an article in The Miami Herald about our workshop at Miami
Springs Elementary School.More
about our educational programs

"I learned a lot about my roots that I did not know
I am prouder today than I was yesterday." --
A Cuban resident of Miami who attended an IFE-ILE library
program, quoted in an article in The Miami Herald.More
about our community programs.

IFÉ-ILÉ supplements and strengthens arts and education
programs in Miami-Dade's public schools,
colleges and universities through programs that build awareness
of Afro-Cuban culture as well as cultural pride, inspiration and
enrichment for attendees of all backgrounds.

Classes & Workshops

Private Lessons: Private lessons are available in Afro-Cuban dance (see Afro-Cuban Traditions), including Orisha, Guaguanco, Salsa, Stretching, Timba, Cuban styling and shines, Cha-cha-cha and more. Classes are tailored to your needs, for all levels, and are also available to groups. A great workout! For an appointment, call (786) 704-8609.

Our interactive presentations and workshops are tailored to the
audience, ensuring that people of all ages, interests and skills
can participate. We teach the movements, vocabulary, history, music,
legends and folk traditions of Afro-Cubans, including sacred Orisha
dances and folkloric dance forms such as rumba.

Why is music and dance education important? Consider the following
(adapted from the National Education Association):

Music and dance contribute to the school and community quality
of life.

Music and dance promote use of higher-order thinking skills.

Music and dance are ways to understand our cultural heritage
as well as other past and present cultures.